Solved Slow input with Logitech K350 Wireless Keyboard

[fireberd]

I have a Logitech K350 wireless keyboard and mouse (what is sold at Sam's Club) that uses the Logitech "Unifying" USB interface.

The mouse seems work OK, however, the keyboard input is slow, many times. I hit a key and have to wait for the keystroke action. It is painfully obvious on games. Just typing such as the input on this forum or in MSWord and I have to slow down as the keyboard can't keep up at times.

Is there any way to speed this up other than going back to a wired keyboard? (which I'm seriously considering).

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hiyya fireberd mate this is going to sound real dumb but have you tried shoving new batteries in it (KB) or moving the receiver closer to or in the front panel USB port? I have had this problem with mice and KB 's before and mate all they usually are is a dead / almost dead battery or if that is new it is lemon one. Just check the volts AA batteries do not need very much a of a voltage drop to not permit proper function.

In my limited experience a new alkaline AA will give out around 1.65v and anything less than 1.4v it is going home to momma , at 1.3v I usually throw them.
But there again I use a lot of rechargeable ones they are far more efficient for the duration of the charge because of the nature of their construction. .

Myself I don't think there could be anything wrong with the RF signal from the KB unless there is some form of circuitry to slow it down by default (highly unlikely) or by a design that allows that by a switching process but again I cannot see the reason for that it seems almost idiotic.

If the KB is reasonable new then I would be getting it replaced because the RF signal from the KB to the machine would be travelling at close to the speed of light which I am sure you know.

 

[fireberd]

This is a new keyboard/mouse. The Logitech program shows full charge on the batteries. There is nothing in the utility for keyboard speed.

I have the small transceiver plugged into one of the two ports designated for keyboard/mouse on my Gigabyte motherboard.

I have the old wired keyboard I was using, I guess I'll plug that back in (it has a bad key) and try this wireless on another PC that I have with an ASUS motherboard and see what happens.

 

[fireberd]

Update. I tried a different USB port and no change. I tried it on my other PC and same there, no change.

I've opened a trouble report with Logitech. This is my first use of a Logitech wireless keyboard. Maybe I'm asking too much of it. I have a wireless controller for my recording studio DAW but it is an older device (made for XP/Vista originally) and probably runs on a different frequency. This unit, a Frontier "Tranzport", has no problems.

EDIT/UPDATE: After working with the keyboard, I have found that it is a Bluetooth type connection and not just a straight RF connection. This may have something to do with the response problems. The Logitech support had me do a couple of troubleshooting steps, like "un-pairing" and "re-pairing", different batteries, etc.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Update. I tried a different USB port and no change. I tried it on my other PC and same there, no change.

I've opened a trouble report with Logitech. This is my first use of a Logitech wireless keyboard. Maybe I'm asking too much of it. I have a wireless controller for my recording studio DAW but it is an older device (made for XP/Vista originally) and probably runs on a different frequency. This unit, a Frontier "Tranzport", has no problems.

EDIT/UPDATE: After working with the keyboard, I have found that it is a Bluetooth type connection and not just a straight RF connection. This may have something to do with the response problems. The Logitech support had me do a couple of troubleshooting steps, like "un-pairing" and "re-pairing", different batteries, etc.

Do you know fireberd I think they go out of their way to make things so incredibly convoluted - I mean what om earth is wrong with a straight 2.4Ghz RF connection.
I know this frequency is prone to interference from other sources so why not make it the 5.8Ghz to avoid that like they did with your average home cordless phones because of the RF interference the 2.4Ghz that was caused from microwave ovens for example.

Anyway rant over I am glad it's sorted for you The wireless KB I used to like was the Microsoft 1000 and then the 3000 both media boards but probably not as many features as your Logitec but had really nice soft touch, quite and flat smooth edged keys - can't stand those pineapple chunk keys LOL!! The only thing I didn't find any good was the mouse they used to come with.

I have gone wired again and my Microsoft Sidewinder x6 is just the perfect board for all media, general use, gaming etc and is backlit so if you ever think of going back to wired try one of these but they are very hard to come by. The x4 version is not as good as this KB and I keep it on my Sandy Bridge machine.
This is just a short review and as I said the only place you are likely to find an x6 is going to be Ebay. I had the chance of buying two of these at the time but foolishly didn't
Microsoft SideWinder X6 Keyboard Review - Computer Accessories

I have noticed you often reply to audio stuff / posts and I am likewise interested in audio having spend many years when I was MUCH younger building mono and then stereo amps and tinkering with frequency control circuits and crossovers in speaker systems. Not that I am any great expert but it always fascinated me - electronics that is. Just as well cos coming on retirement and wrecking my shoulder gold prospecting has finished my bike riding and woodworking days.

Anyway I have wasted enough of your time so good luck with the KB now

John

 

[fireberd]

John, Logitech is sending a replacement keyboard. I'm not sure its going to solve the problem, although I'll give it a try. I'm now convinced (maybe I shouldn't be) its the Bluetooth type setup. If a straight RF, as you mention, was used it probably would not have the problem.

I respond to audio, as I did that for 10 years on the Dell forum. At one time I was a guitar amplifier tech (in Nashville) and still do some amp work and consulting. I also have a home recording studio (using Sonar X2 software) so I'm still into audio. I'm a "Florida retiree", having retired in 1996. I retired from the US Social Security Administration, I was the Regional LAN/WAN Network and Hardware Help Desk Manager for the Midwest (basically my service area was all the SSA offices west of the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains). I used to have a Ham Radio license and a US FCC 2nd Class Radio Telephone license and worked at NASA on the Gemini and Apollo projects as a Telemetry tech and as a PCM Telemetry processor programmer. I am still an active Country Music, musician.

Jack

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hiyya Jack Well sort of guessed it was the KB mate because the last I heard radio waves don't go around the block before arriving at the destination LOL!! Besides the more they pack in the more things to go wrong too!!

I suppose in this day and age one has to be thankful for that sort of service as I find that most supports either want a mammoth amount of info about the product or take a very long time to reply and at at times still not get things resolved. At least that is what I have found with Gigabyte and Asus to mention a couple.

Me I am a registered nurse of 40 + years and am about to retire love music - just got hooked on Trace Adkins but am eclectic in what I listen to. What you did for a living sounds so very interesting and I do wish i could play music but never have been able to even though my whole family can including my ex and my son

Ah well could be worse eh? LOL!!

John

 

[jimbo45]

Update. I tried a different USB port and no change. I tried it on my other PC and same there, no change.

I've opened a trouble report with Logitech. This is my first use of a Logitech wireless keyboard. Maybe I'm asking too much of it. I have a wireless controller for my recording studio DAW but it is an older device (made for XP/Vista originally) and probably runs on a different frequency. This unit, a Frontier "Tranzport", has no problems.

EDIT/UPDATE: After working with the keyboard, I have found that it is a Bluetooth type connection and not just a straight RF connection. This may have something to do with the response problems. The Logitech support had me do a couple of troubleshooting steps, like "un-pairing" and "re-pairing", different batteries, etc.

Hi there
I'm using a variety of these keyboards and mice combos -- the latest is the K750 Solar powered keyboard.

The only time (apart from battery considerations) I've had trouble with this type of gear is if it's plugged into an UNPOWERED USB hub with other devices (usually USB disks). Try moving the USB receiver around.

Sounds like you really have got a defect with your gear -- otherwise you could be having a wireless source interfering with your keyboard -- Wifi / Microwaves, TV type "Transmitter" devices etc. A Wireless USB adapter can sometimes cause havoc with these keyboards too.

Change the Wifi on your router to N if your receivers can handle it.

Other Bluetooth devices f shouldn't make a difference even if using Bluetooth speakers / headphones. If the keyboard itself is a bluetooth one --then all bets are off -- I've found W7 bluetooth to be somewhat "Iffy". (One area where W8 seems better).

Cheers
jimbo

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yep Jim I think we tried that earlier - moving the receiver to the front perhaps. I had this problem two weeks ago and found the receiver worked in the front port but the battery too weak for the back port - in went a new battery and back on.

I will agree with you too that using hubs to be absolutely sure if the thing (hub) is over say three USB powered ports you are pushing the envelope and should use a powered one.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Actually I went and had a look and found this rather interesting as on page three it mentions that Blu tooth is actually a very weak signal strength to avoid interference with other frequency using equipment so the Blu tooth Jack mentioned earlier may well be the problem an surprisingly it works at very near the normal 2.4Ghz frequency ( a very small decimal point away) that other devices use.

HowStuffWorks "How Bluetooth Operates"

So what is to say that Jacks cordless phone is not interfering with his KB including perhaps the microwave which also uses that frequency. Hence why a lot of cordless phones now use 5.8Ghz as the operating frequency for clarity.

 

[fireberd]

I have an N router. The cordless phones I have are all the Dect 6.0 models. But, I powered off the cordless phone/base unit and it made no difference. As I originally stated the transceiver is plugged into the designated keyboard/mouse port on the motherboard, which is well within the 10 meter Bluetooth range (actually less than 2 feet away). However, on the second PC that I tried it on (which worked the same way) I connected the transceiver to the front panel USB 2.0 port, which is physically/electronically closer. Microwave was not operating and in a different room in the house. I've tried new batteries and that made no difference. I've un-paired and re-paired the keyboard and that made no difference.

The Logitech that I have came as a package, mouse, keyboard and transceiver. The mouse works OK, the keyboard doesn't - the Keyboard works but can be slow. Either the keyboard is defective or its the Bluetooth.

As a side note, the Logitech support person I dealt with is located in Denmark

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hum sounds like the keyboard then Jack may have to use an old wired one while you are waiting - darn nuisance though eh?

Myself I was besotted by wireless but after a few that had flimsy fittings, lost USB receivers and heavy battery usage I went back to wired and like I think I said the Microsoft Sidewinder x6 I have now is just the bee's knees. But it is now very hard to find. Some on Ebay I believe and why they stopped putting them out is in my tiny mind an absolute mystery.

 

[fireberd]

I don't need wireless, just that I needed a new keyboard and saw this at Sam's Wholesale Club and decided to go for it. Actually the warehouse club only stocked this one keyboard. Its working, just not like I would like it to work at times. If I need to use a different keyboard, until the replacement arrives, I've got the old wired keyboard with the defective (back) key and a wired keyboard on my other desktop that I can use.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I don't need wireless, just that I needed a new keyboard and saw this at Sam's Wholesale Club and decided to go for it. Actually the warehouse club only stocked this one keyboard. Its working, just not like I would like it to work at times. If I need to use a different keyboard, until the replacement arrives, I've got the old wired keyboard with the defective (back) key and a wired keyboard on my other desktop that I can use.

Ah well Jack at least you are up and running eh? But if you get a chance at an x6 don't hesitate mate it is something else

 

[fireberd]

When I made the initial post, I was hoping someone had a fix for the slow keying input with the Keyboard. But, after "doing my homework" and finding out about the Bluetooth and dealing with Logitech, either the keyboard has a hardware problem (or maybe a firmware/software problem) or just how Bluetooth keyboards work. The replacement keyboard will tell the story. I'll post results when I get the new keyboard.

Jack

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok Jack that will be good from what I could gather the blu tooth signal is a very weak one and the hardware also very small and maybe prone to even very slight direct damage ie a a slight knock.

John

 

[fireberd]

Both the keyboard and mouse use the same interface (transceiver) on the PC. As the mouse works OK, that says the interface is OK and signal strength is not a problem since Bluetooth is designed for at least 10 meters distance (and maybe more). The keyboard and mouse are less than 1 meter from the transceiver. The broad spectrum (similar to RF "Tropo Scatter") means that something will get through and if anything gets through it will work. Having worked with RF, both as a Ham radio operator and commerically that can be eliminated.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yes you're right of course I was thinking maybe the transceiver was damaged but as you say the mouse works so it has to be down to the KB not functioning.

So when do you expect the new one Jack?

 

[fireberd]

Replacement keyboard has arrived and installed. Appears to have corrected the problems. Keyboard movement in games also seems to be OK.

 

[mjf]

I have bought 3 Logitech K520 wireless keyboards/mice. They work very well - wired devices are a pain.
You were clearly just unlucky. I've found Logitech's customer service one of the best I've experienced.